Millions of people around the world celebrated Orthodox Christmas on January 7, following ancient traditions. The holiday is observed by Eastern Orthodox Christians, who use the Julian calendar to determine the date of Christmas, which falls 13 days after the Western Christian Christmas.
The celebration is marked by attending church services, spending time with family, and exchanging gifts. Many Orthodox Christians also observe a period of fasting before Christmas, known as the Nativity Fast, which is meant to prepare them spiritually for the holiday. The traditions and customs surrounding Orthodox Christmas vary from country to country, but the core message of the holiday remains the same: to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The celebration of Orthodox Christmas is an important part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of many countries, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. As the holiday is observed by millions of people around the world, it serves as a reminder of the diversity and richness of global cultural traditions.